Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in California

Incredibly satisfying to grow. There's nothing quite like digging up your own potatoes — it's like buried treasure.

The Short Answer

California grows potatoes commercially in several regions, and home gardeners can plant from winter through spring depending on location. The state's diversity means coastal gardeners, valley gardeners, and mountain gardeners all work on different schedules.

California Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of California you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern California Mountains 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b May 1 - May 25 Sep 20 - Oct 15
Central Valley 9a, 9b Feb 10 - Mar 1 Nov 15 - Dec 5
Southern California Coast 10a, 10b, 11a Jan 1 - Feb 1 Dec 10 - Jan 1
Bay Area 9b, 10a Jan 20 - Feb 15 Nov 25 - Dec 15

Potatoes Planting Schedule for California

Northern California Mountains (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Central Valley (Zones 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 10 - Mar 1 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Southern California Coast (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Jan 1 - Feb 1 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 1

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Bay Area (Zones 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 20 - Feb 15 · Average first frost: Nov 25 - Dec 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in California

State-Specific Growing Tips

Central Valley: plant January through March. Coastal: plant February through April. Mountain: plant April through May. California's dry climate reduces late blight pressure dramatically compared to the humid East. Sandy and loamy soils grow potatoes well. In alkaline areas, acidify with sulfur — potatoes prefer pH 5.0-5.5. Irrigate consistently during tuber development but reduce watering 2 weeks before harvest.

Recommended Varieties for California

Everything grows in California. Yukon Gold, Red Pontiac, Kennebec, and fingerlings. UC Davis provides variety recommendations by region. For warm areas, choose heat-tolerant varieties.

Common Challenges in California

Wireworms in some soils. Aphids transmit potato leafroll virus. Late blight is rare in California's dry climate but can appear during wet years. Colorado potato beetle is less common in California than in the East.

Growing Tips

Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 2-3 weeks before last frost. Hill soil around stems as they grow to increase yield.

Companion Planting

Plant potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Corn Cabbage Marigolds

Keep potatoes away from:

Tomatoes Squash Sunflowers

The Bottom Line

Potatoes can be grown successfully in California with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern California Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 25, while Bay Area sees frost end around Jan 20 - Feb 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Potatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states California Planting Calendar All plants for California Potatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Potatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Potatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Potatoes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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